Removal and restoration of all 108 windows on the North, South,
East and West side of the building. Each was stripped to bare wood
and repaired for re-installation and the original single- paned
glazing was removed and replaced with new energy efficient double
glazed panels. All internal and external operating mechanisms were
refurbished or replaced and new window treatments were installed.

Exterior Skylight

The original exterior skylight that soars over the main atrium
was repaired by replacing all nine cracked or damaged slope glazing
panels to extend its life for several years. Internally, the weep
and drainage channels were cleaned with new glazing seals installed.
Repairs were made to the copper flashing at the ridge and gable
ends, while ensuring all remaining materials were sound and secure.

Decorative Atrium Laylight

The operating mechanism responsible for opening and closing the
ventilation sashes was lubricated; all cracked stained glass
sections were replaced; and loose or missing pieces were replaced or
secured. Additional wire ties were added to the metal support frame
for the stained glass, which also was cleaned.

PUBLIC SPACES

Entry Vestibule

Substantial modifications were undertaken at the Washington
Street entrance where new wood entry doors have replaced the
original wooden ones. All internal and external hardware was
refurbished or replaced and opening assistance mechanisms were added
to the doors at the front and atrium entrances. The old narrow entry
to atrium has been replaced by a more welcoming better lighted space
that restores the vestibule to its original footprint and volume,
Two new large illuminated glass and wood display cases were
onstructed in both niches. Interior comfort is maintained with two
new high volume, high efficiency unit ventilator heaters concealed
by decorative covers. New matching marble infill was installed in
both old doorways that now back up the decorative heaters.

Two new sets of wood doors and sidelights were installed for
staff access to the reconfigured ground floor atriumís information
and security desks. To complete the entry vestibule transformation,
the existing ceramic tile ceiling was carefully cleaned as were all
marble walls and floors.

Main Atrium

The main atrium space has been delicately transformed into a
modern public interaction zone ready to meet the technological
challenges of the new millennium. Inserted along the north wall of
the atrium a custom two person, 45-foot circulation desk is
complemented by two 8-foot sections of full wall cabinets and
display shelving. The circulation area has been wired with all
modern modes of information technologies crucial for daily library
operations. Opposite the circulation desk on the south wall, three
8-foot sections of floor to ceiling wall cabinets and display
shelving have been installed. To further delineate this
"new releases or special displays area," two dual-display waist-high
cabinets are placed at the east and west ends of the wall units.
Flanking the atrium entry doors are new information and library
security desks. These too are automated and fully wired into the
library information technology systems. All told, 128 linear feet
of cherry stained custom millwork adorned with fluted columns and
crown molding have been incorporated into the library atrium.

Audio/Video RoomThe northeast corner of the first floor adjacent to the atrium
has been reconfigured into 1195 square feet of new audio/visual
rentals for the public. A new lay-in 2x2 ceiling and light fixtures
were suspended from the existing structure culminating in a delicate
perimeter light cove that white washes the historic plaster
perimeter walls. New carpet and base along with custom display
shelving complete the space. Adjoining this space on the north a new
wood door and sidelight open into a semi-private staff office with
several new computer terminals, new work surfaces and a new unit
ventilator heater. To facilitate future indoor air conditioning,
all associated ductwork and registers have been installed.